The Weight Limits for Carry-On Bags for American Airlines

You can travel the world with American Airlines, going everywhere from Japan to New York City. Before leaving home though, familiarize yourself with AA's policies regarding carry-on luggage and ensure everything you plan to bring on board doesn't exceed weight and size limits. Also, if you're a frequent flier, consider joining AA's mileage plan to save money on future flights.

All passengers on American Airlines flights, regardless of class, are allowed one carry-on bag, which can weigh up to 40 pounds. Carry-ons must also not exceed 45 linear inches; this is the sum of the bag's height, length and width. Alternately, you may bring a hanging garment bag in the place of a standard carry-on. Garment bags are also limited to 40 pounds and 45 linear inches and, like carry-ons, must easily fit in the bag sizer found at check-in.

Along with a carry-on bag, American Airlines passengers are allowed to bring a personal item into the cabin, like a purse, backpack or another bag not exceeding 36 linear inches. Though American Airlines doesn't have a set weight limit for personal items, anything too heavy or bulky to fit beneath the seat in front of you may be taken and checked. Those traveling with an infant can also bring a diaper bag in addition to a normal carry-on and a personal item.

If you're packing liquids in your carry-on bag, like a travel-sized tube of toothpaste, they must be placed in a quart-sized, sealed plastic baggie. This rule is enforced by the Transportation Security Administration, which requires all passengers and airlines, including AA, to comply. Every passenger is allowed one plastic baggie of liquid items, all of which must be in containers holding 3.4 ounces or less. No weight limit is set for the baggie, but it must seal shut.

Depending on the available space on your AA flight, or even the regulations of individual airports, the rules regarding the size of carry-on bags can change, so be prepared to improvise. If you're packing presents in your carry-on, leave them unwrapped, as security might need to inspect them. People carrying special liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, like medication or breast milk, will need to present them to security personnel separately, so keep them easily accessible.